THE weather is forecast to remain extremely cold over the coming days so Suffolk County Council will extend its usual customer service helpline to operate over the weekend.

More snow fell over Waveney overnight, with several flurries during the day today and more expected tomorrow.

The wintry blast is expected to continue over the weekend, bringing more snow. John Law, a forecaster from Weatherquest, based at the University of East Anglia, said: 'There will be bright spells first thing on Saturday, but it will get increasingly windy with a moderate to fresh north easterly wind.

'Temperatures will stay close to freezing in most parts of Norfolk and there will be snow showers throughout the day, mainly along the coast and in the east. Looking at Saturday through to Sunday, there will be longer spells of snow.'

As people venture out into the cold, health bosses have urged them to keep warm and well.

Dr Shamsher Diu, public health consultant at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: 'It is really important in these cold conditions that people wrap up warm inside and outside their house to ensure they prevent illness along with eating well and keeping their heating on.

'This is particularly important for elderly people, who are more vulnerable as the weather turns colder.'

The East of England Ambulance Service has seen a 90pc increase in falls with about 50pc more road accidents since the cold weather began.

People have been reminded to take care on icy pavements and to wear suitable footwear and clothing. Motorists are also urged to drive carefully and react safely and properly to changing road conditions.

People have also been warned of the dangers of walking on ice covering ponds or lakes.

Suffolk County Council has extended its usual customer service helpline to operate over the weekend.

The emergency snowline will respond to calls from the public on issues relating to the weather; anyone having difficulty accessing services on their usual numbers could also use this number if they are concerned.

Staff on this number will be able to deal with calls related to the current weather conditions such as social care and highways.

Operators will have access to other agencies such as district and borough councils, the police and the health authority if necessary.

The number is 08456 037686 and will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 8pm.